Kenya has been gripped by a massive nationwide strike that has brought transportation, manufacturing, and public services to a standstill as workers protest the escalating cost of living that has eroded purchasing power and pushed millions into economic distress. The industrial action, organized by a coalition of trade unions representing over two million workers, comes in response to soaring prices for essential commodities including maize flour, cooking oil, fuel, and electricity, which have increased by 30-60% over the past year despite government interventions. The strike has paralyzed key economic sectors, with public transport remaining largely unavailable, ports operating at minimal capacity, and numerous factories and businesses forced to close as workers joined the protests.
The immediate impact of the strike has been most visible in urban centers, where normally bustling streets have emptied as commuters remained home and businesses shuttered. The Kenya Ports Authority reported a 70% reduction in cargo handling at the Mombasa port, East Africa’s largest maritime gateway, threatening regional supply chains. Public hospitals operated with skeleton staff, while schools across several counties remained closed as teachers joined the industrial action. The protests have been largely peaceful but determined, with union leaders vowing to continue the strike until the government presents a concrete plan to address what they term the worst economic crisis facing ordinary Kenyans in a decade.
The underlying economic pressures fueling the strike reflect both global trends and domestic policy challenges. While rising global energy prices and supply chain disruptions have contributed to inflation, critics argue that excessive taxation, a weakening shilling, and structural economic issues have exacerbated the situation. The government faces the difficult task of balancing fiscal responsibilities—including servicing the country’s substantial public debt—with the urgent need to provide relief to struggling citizens. The long-term resolution will require addressing fundamental issues including agricultural productivity, energy costs, and tax policy, rather than short-term interventions. As the strike continues, it represents not just a labor dispute but a broader expression of public frustration with economic policies that many feel have prioritized macroeconomic stability over household welfare, creating a political challenge that could shape Kenya’s economic direction for years to come.